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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's not sufficient
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
K_Southwick: The quote "it's not sufficient that I succeed; everyone else must fail" was first attributed to Genghis Khan, but Larry has been known to use it.
News & Media
"We are making progress, but it's not sufficient," Lael Brainard, the Treasury Department's under secretary for international affairs, said in an interview, "and we will keep on pushing".
News & Media
But you can't take your gigabit home connection with you to the store or on the road, so it's not sufficient on its own.
News & Media
The letter -- which Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, addressed to their newborn daughter, Maxima -- also contained a critical insight: Technology will help improve the world that she has joined, but it's not sufficient on its own.
News & Media
Luckily, the United States hasn't yet fallen into the austerity trap – America's fiscal policy is still wisely expansionary – but it's not sufficient to overcome a pull-back by American consumers.
News & Media
Paolo Gentiloni, Italy's current foreign minister, said: "Triton is a start but it's not sufficient and the scope of the initiative are reduced compared to Mare Nostrum".
News & Media
It needs input mechanisms, and while a touch screen is nice, it's not sufficient according to Nokia (a clear dig against Apple's iPhone here).
News & Media
But it's not sufficient.
News & Media
It's not sufficient for characters either.
News & Media
But he added: "It's not sufficient.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
Moore's Law is real, but it is not sufficient.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "it's not sufficient", clearly state what the subject is failing to achieve or provide. This adds context and clarity to your statement.
Common error
Avoid using "it's not sufficient" when a milder term like "it could be better" would be more appropriate. Overstating the inadequacy can sound overly critical.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it's not sufficient" functions as a declarative statement expressing inadequacy. It asserts that something fails to meet a certain requirement or standard. As Ludwig examples show, it's often used to evaluate whether an action, resource, or quality is adequate for a specific purpose.
Frequent in
News & Media
47%
Science
24%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
4%
Reference
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it's not sufficient" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is inadequate or falls short of a required standard. Ludwig examples reveal frequent usage in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal synonyms may be preferred in academic settings. Given its declarative nature and purpose to highlight limitations, it's essential to provide context and clarity when employing this phrase. The alternative phrases provided are generally close in meaning, and can add variety to your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it's not enough
Simplifies "sufficient" to "enough", maintaining a similar meaning.
it doesn't suffice
Uses the verb form of "suffice" to express the same idea.
it's not adequate
Replaces "sufficient" with a synonym, "adequate".
it is inadequate
Replaces "sufficient" with "inadequate", creating a direct antonym.
it is lacking
Highlights the absence of something necessary.
it's deficient
Emphasizes a lack or shortage.
it falls short
Uses a more figurative expression to convey inadequacy.
it is wanting
Indicates that something is missing or needed.
it's not satisfactory
Focuses on the failure to meet a required standard of quality or performance.
it's not up to par
Uses an idiomatic expression to suggest that something doesn't meet expectations.
FAQs
How can I use "it's not sufficient" in a sentence?
You can use "it's not sufficient" to express that something is inadequate or doesn't meet the required standard. For example, "While the initial investment was helpful, "it's not sufficient" to cover all the expenses."
What are some alternatives to saying "it's not sufficient"?
Alternatives include "it's not enough", "it is inadequate", or "it falls short". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is "it's not sufficient" a formal or informal expression?
"It's not sufficient" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "it is inadequate" might be preferred in very formal writing.
What is the difference between "it's not sufficient" and "it's unnecessary"?
"It's not sufficient" means something is inadequate or lacking, while "it's unnecessary" means something is not needed or required. They have opposite meanings.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested